Dr. Marian B. Gardner (“Betty”) is retiring on July 1, 2026 after 37 years of exemplary teaching, scholarly activity, and service at NC State University. Dr. Gardner earned a B.S. in Applied Biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology and an M.S. in Crop Science and a Ph.D. in Genetics from NC State University. Throughout her career, Dr. Gardner demonstrated her strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate education. She served as the Director of NC State’s Undergraduate Genetics program for nine years and played a central role in the development and establishment of the undergraduate Genetics major. She  taught a broad array of  genetics courses and mentored junior faculty in teaching methodologies. Dr. Gardner’s research focused on instructional design, active learning, and the integration of technology to improve student engagement and comprehension. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific literacy among undergraduates. Dr. Betty Gardner has earned the title of Emeritus Professor of Teaching at NC State University. We are highly appreciative of her contributions and wish her well in the next stage of her life.